Mario Cuomo: The Shabbos Goy

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Many reporters have referred to The Shabbos goy story in their coverage of New York’s 52nd chief executive but I have not read any details of the story. I was there when the Governor delivered his remarks before Jewish and non-Jewish audiences. Here is his story:

When I was growing up in South Jamaica, Queens I would go to the local Orthodox synagogue just a few doors from my father’s grocery store. My job was to turn the lights, heat or air conditioning on and off on Friday nights and early Saturday mornings.

One late summer Saturday night I returned home from the synagogue and my father, Andrea, was waiting up for me wanting to know where I’ve been so late.

He would say to me in a thick Italian accent, Mario, where do you go so late? You’re not getting into trouble, are you? Stay out of trouble.

I would tell him what I was doing, about turning the electric, heat or air conditioning on and off. Not knowing of the prohibition for Orthodox Jews to do these tasks, he would say to me, what, they can’t do it themselves? Why do they need you to do it? You’re not lying to me Mario, are you? Stay out of trouble.